Shout-Out to My Beautiful Beta Readers

I started writing my current novel in August 2023. Sixty days later, I had a completed first draft. I took a month off to let it breathe, then dove headfirst into revisions—where I’ve basically lived ever since.

This past fall, I submitted it to a developmental editor through my writing program, but I was too embarrassed (i.e., terrified) to show it to anyone else. I convinced myself it wasn’t ready, that I wasn’t ready, that it needed to be perfect before anyone else could see it. Sound familiar?

Then, last month, after incorporating the excellent editorial advice, I finally accepted that outside feedback wasn’t just helpful—it was necessary. I sent my pages to four beta readers—hitting send made me cringe.

But when their feedback rolled in, I had an even stronger reaction: Why didn’t I do this sooner? Like, last year sooner? Around Draft 3 instead of Draft 8?

Beta reader feedback is best received over sushi.

I didn’t write this book just for me. It’s not some delicate, untouchable masterpiece. It’s a story meant to entertain, one I hope will make people feel seen.

So, if you’re knee-deep in revisions, here’s my advice: Show your work. Earlier than you think. Waiting for perfection will only slow you down.

Right now, I’m doing one final pass (okay, second-to-last, because I can’t stop line-editing), and I plan to start querying in March. I’m nervous to send it into the world, but why spend hundreds of hours writing a book just to hoard it?

(And if you know me, you know I love hoarding things—puzzles, pens, purses, etc.—but creative work? I must remind myself: it should be shared. The more I put out into the world, the more ideas seem to flow back, so let it go and keep on creating.)

Lesson learned: Beta readers are invaluable, and I won’t wait so long to share my next manuscript. Draft 3 of my next novel: you’re going out the door, baby.